Harnaaz Sandhu‘s mother, Ravinder Kaur Sandhu, recalled her daughter’s promise to her on Sunday, just before she won the coveted Miss Universe 2021 title, as the family and inhabitants of Punjab’s Kharar celebrated the 21-year-victory old’s at the pageant on Monday.

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Harnaaz Sandhu made history on Monday as she was crowned Miss Universe 2021 — beating contestants from 79 countries — 21 years after India last brought home the title.

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Her parents, Pritam Singh Sandhu and Dr Ravinder Kaur Sandhu, as well as her brother Harnoor Singh, were overjoyed when she was named Miss Universe 2021 in Israel.

Sushmita Sen in 1994 and Lara Dutta in 2000 were the only two Indians to win Miss Universe before Harnaaz Sandhu.

The pageant’s 70th edition was held in Eilat, Israel, where the 21-year-old won the prize.

Ravinder Kaur Sandhu, Harnaaz Sandhu’s mother, claimed she spoke to daughter on Sunday evening and wished her well.

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Only two Indians before Harnaaz Sandhu have won the title of Miss Universe – actors Sushmita Sen in 1994 and Lara Dutta in 2000.

Kaur, who is a gynecologist, said that she had advised her daughter to stay focused and leave everything to the Almighty. When asked what Harnaaz Sandhu told her, Kaur told reporters that she said, “I will make you proud.” She also asked the family to pray for her, said Kaur who was praying for her at a gurdwara when the event was taking place.

Harnoor Singh, Harnaaz Sandhu’s brother, who was present at the occasion, informed his mother that his sister had won Miss Universe 2021.

“We were fully confident that she would make the country proud,” said Kaur at her residence in Mohali’s Kharar.

Pritam Singh Sandhu, Harnaaz Sandhu’s delighted father, said he was proud of her accomplishment and that they were fully with her. He went on to say that she had always stated that she would return victorious.

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During a press conference, Kaur stated that she worked hard and was always focused.

“It is a proud moment not only for us but for the country also,” said Harnoor.

In response to a question about her favourite foods, her mother said her favourite is ‘makki di roti,’ which she will be offered when she gets home.

According to her mother, Harnaaz Sandhu enjoys yoga, horseback riding, and cooking.

Harnaaz Sandhu, according to Dr Nisha Aggarwal, head of Chandigarh’s Post Graduate Government College for Girls Sector 42, was a talented student.

“It is a matter of immense happiness for us. Harnaaz Sandhu studied BA (IT) and now she is pursuing MA public administration,” she said.

Right from the beginning, she was a very bright student, said the principal.

“She is very polite, humble and an obedient student. She is respectful to teachers,” Aggarwal said.

Harnaaz Sandhu was a devoted student, according to a teacher who tutored her.

Harnaaz Sandhu began her pageant career when she won Times Fresh Face in 2017 at the age of 17, representing Chandigarh. She went on to win the title of LIVA Miss Diva Universe 2021.

Sandhu has also appeared in Punjabi films such as “Yara Diyan Poo Baran” and “Bai Ji Kuttange.”